Go wild for ‘Zootopia’

Disney’s newest animated film “Zootopia” isn’t just for 5-year-olds or Disney fanatics. The film takes place in a world of anthropomorphic animals where predators and prey exist in harmony. It follows a rookie bunny cop who teams up with a con-artist fox to unravel the mysterious disappearances happening in the city.

Woven throughout the movie is the idea of overcoming stereotypes. Whether it’s that a female bunny can’t be a tough cop or that a fox will always trick you, the movie insists that you can be anything you choose to be and that people – or animals – aren’t always who you think they are.

The tensions between predator and prey clearly allude to the racial tensions in the world today. Also the interactions between Nick Wilde, a fox, and the police are clearly meant to portray the racial discrimination that is happening with police in America.

Is this something that should be tackled in a children’s movie? Some might say no, that it’s too serious of an issue to be delivered in a movie. But maybe it’s also the perfect platform for a message like this. It’s a simple concept: don’t assume people are a certain way because of stereotypes and don’t feel like you have to act a certain way because of stereotypes. “Zootopia” brings home both of these lessons in a fun, engaging way. You won’t feel hit over the head with it, but you’ll definitely get the message.

The twist and turns in this movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. With a menacing mob boss, corrupt government officials and a cop who’s just trying to do the right thing “Zootopia” combines the typical recipe for a number one crime show. And it sort of felt like an crime show with every new clue leaving you confused and curious right until the final reveal.

Even if you’re not like me, and watching a movie featuring talking animals and musical numbers doesn’t interest you, I advise you to give this movie a chance. The dialogue is witty. The jokes aren’t only targeted towards kids. The movie hits on real issues that affect all of society. “Zootopia” is not just a kid’s movie. It manages to package all that meat into an adorable, furry, crime-solving duo who will steal your heart.

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